Question

Lac is produced by
A. Males
B. Females
C. Far more by females than males
D. More by males than females

Answer 1

Hint: Lac is secreted by lac insects. It is the resinous secretion of lac insects. Harvesting of the lac is done by cutting the tree branches that hold sticklac. The life-span of the male lac insect is very less as compared to females.

Complete answer: The branches of the host trees are colonized by thousands of lac insects which secrete the resinous pigment. The coated branches of the host trees are cut down and harvested as sticklac. The harvested sticklac is crushed to remove impurities. The sieved material is then repeatedly washed several times to remove the insect parts and other materials. The product obtained after this process is called seedlac. The obtained seed lac undergoes heat treatment or solvent extraction to form shellac. The life period of male lac insects is short and hence does not take part much in the secretion of a resinous secretion known as lac. On the contrary the female lac insect secrets lac throughout her life period. The major quantity of lac is produced by females. Therefore, lac is produced far more by the females than the males.
So, option C is the correct answer.

Note: The most common lac insect cultivated for lac is the Kerria lacca. Lac is used for various purposes such as wood finish, dye for wool and silk, skin cosmetic and many more. In India, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, and Maharashtra are leading states of lac producers. Lac is still used as sealing wax in India. They are also used in making traditional and tribal bangles. Lac is also used as folk medicine.